Just in time for the World Expo: China allows people with HIV to enter the country. Other countries could follow suit.
Last week, there was still a cautious question mark behind our Messagein which we reported on indications that the entry ban for people with HIV was about to be lifted. Now it has not only been confirmed but has already been implemented: The government has cancelled the ban completely and permanently. Just in time for the start of the Expo World Exhibition, which opens in Shanghai on 1 May.
The Chinese government's intention in taking this measure was not primarily to boost tourism - the timing was simply good for image building. An official statement states that the government has come to the realisation that the ban from the 1980s is not an effective instrument against the spread of HIV. China is thus following the line of argument that has recently led to the overturning of corresponding regulations in the USA and Korea.
Although this leaves a good 50 countries worldwide that restrict the freedom of travel of people with HIV, the signalling effect will not fail to materialise. The HIV/AIDS organisation of the United Nations, UNAIDS, has already reported that Ukraine and Namibia also want to make corresponding changes to their laws.
Information on entry restrictions for people with HIV worldwide can be found at www.hivtravel.org retrievable.
Further up-to-date information on this topic can also be found in the Blog of the German AIDS service organisation.
